Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has said that whilst progress is somewhat slow and overall numbers are low, he is encouraged by the headway being made to retrofit the Council’s own housing stock. The Dublin Mid-West councillor represents Lucan and Palmerstown-Fonthill and was commenting in relation to queries he has made recently.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “Deep retrofits of the Council’s housing stock are not only an essential requirement as set out by the Local Authority Retrofit Programme, that requires our Council to upgrade their housing stock to a B2 standard, but also represents a crucial investment toward driving carbon emissions down and keeping families and particularly older residents warm in their homes.
“Our Council have 9,787 dwellings in their ownership and have identified 449 homes as needing retrofitting works since they began carrying out deep energy retrofits in 2021. This figure in itself represents less than 5% in need of such upgrades, and I am informed that 248 have been completed to date. Clearly it is important that any homes already approved for window and door replacements are completed in tandem.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh added “In relation to the remainder of homes, I have received data that says 185 homes are listed for completion in the ‘immediate period’. The timeframe to complete surveys once a list of properties has been issued to an obligated party to survey is between 1-3 months.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh also said “Energy efficiency works in Council buildings are progressing and this is to be welcomed. This includes upgrading office lighting to LED. Last October I paid a visit to the District Heating Centre in Tallaght to be given a tour of a truly remarkable project with immense potential. The installation of solar panels on all new buildings must become a reality. It is imperative that we are applying well thought-out construction, in delivering both housing and office premises to importantly meet Climate Care obligations.”
